H.R. 6249: Addressing Addiction After Disasters Act

This bill, known as the Addressing Addiction After Disasters Act, proposes amendments to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to expand the scope of assistance provided to individuals affected by disasters. Specifically, the bill aims to include services related to substance use and alcohol use disorders alongside existing mental health support services.

Key Provisions of the Bill

• Amendment to Crisis Counseling Assistance:

  The bill modifies Section 416 of the Stafford Act by adding specific references to "substance use" and "alcohol use" in relation to the types of crisis counseling assistance available. This means that support can now address these issues as well as mental health problems in the aftermath of a disaster.

• Reporting Requirements:

  The Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is required to review and report on changes made to the application for disaster assistance, particularly how it incorporates support for substance use and alcohol use disorders within 180 days of the bill's enactment. This ensures that adjustments to the assistance process reflect the new provisions of the law.

• GAO Review and Reporting:

  The Comptroller General of the United States is tasked with conducting a review of the crisis counseling assistance program. This includes evaluating how long assistance is provided to individuals and whether FEMA complies with the stipulation that such assistance must be related to issues caused or worsened by disasters.

Implications

This legislation is designed to improve access to critical support services for individuals dealing with substance use and alcohol disorders following major disasters. It aims to create a more comprehensive response to the mental health needs that arise in such circumstances by ensuring these issues are recognized and treated alongside traditional mental health support.

Relevant Companies

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